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Wally

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Lesson 5 April 22-28





Living for God




Study this week’s lesson to prepare for Sabbath, April 29.


So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants:  we have done that which was our duty to do.  Luke 17:10

Richard Myers

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Re: SDA Sabbath School Lesson 5--2nd Quarter 2017--Living for God
« Reply #1 on: April 22, 2017, 06:21:52 AM »
Commentary in Navy                  Inspiration in Maroon




Sabbath Afternoon

Read for This Week’s Study: 1 Pet. 3:8-12; Gal. 2:20; 1 Pet. 4:1, 2; Rom. 6:1-11; 1 Pet. 4:3-11; 2 Sam. 11:4.

Memory Text: “For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and His ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil.” 1 Peter 3:12

The Bible writers knew the reality of human sinfulness. How could they not? The world reeks of it. Besides, they knew their own sinfulness, as well (see 1 Tim. 1:15). They knew just how serious it was, too; after all, look at what it took-the cross of Jesus Christ-to solve the problem of sin. That’s how deep and pervasive the reality of sin really is.

Amen!  "For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not....I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members.  " Romans 7:18,23.

But the Bible writers also were greatly aware of the power of Christ to change our lives and make us new people in Him.

Amen!! "For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death....That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit." Romans 8:2,4.

This week, Peter continues on this same track: the kind of new life that Christians will have in Christ after they have given themselves to Him and have been baptized. In fact, the change will be so great that others will notice it. Peter doesn’t say that this change will always be easy; indeed, he talks about the need to suffer in the flesh (1 Pet. 4:1) in order to have the victory that we are promised.

Peter continues a theme that pervades the Bible, the reality of love in the life of a believer in Jesus. “Charity” he writes, “will cover the multitude of sins” (1 Pet. 4:8 ). When we love, when we forgive, we are reflecting what Jesus has done and still does for us.

Amen! When we love as Jesus loves, it is because we are fully surrendered to Jesus and are filled with His Spirit!



Jesus receives His reward when we reflect His character, the fruits of the Spirit......We deny Jesus His reward when we do not.

Richard Myers

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Re: SDA Sabbath School Lesson 5--2nd Quarter 2017--Living for God
« Reply #2 on: April 22, 2017, 09:42:31 PM »
Sunday April 23

Being of “One Mind”


Read 1 Peter 3:8-12.

 3:8   Finally, [be ye] all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, [be] pitiful, [be] courteous: 
 3:9   Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing. 
 3:10   For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile: 
 3:11   Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it. 
 3:12   For the eyes of the Lord [are] over the righteous, and his ears [are open] unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord [is] against them that do evil. 


What point is Peter making here about how Christians should live? What does he repeat that he already wrote about in 1 Peter 2:20, 21?

Peter starts out telling them all to be of “one mind” (homophrones). He’s not talking about uniformity, in the sense of everyone having to think, do, and believe exactly the same way. The best example of this idea is found in 1 Corinthians 12:1-26. In these verses, Paul points out that the body is made up of parts. There are hands and eyes, but still together each part makes up the whole body. In the same way, the church is made up of individuals with different spiritual gifts. They work together to form a united community.

Yes, and no.  Can two walk together if they be not agreed (Amos 3:3)? The church is given to us, that we might come into unity of doctrine. When we are converted we are in unity of Spirit. But, we are all at different levels of understanding. There are some things that are mandatory before entering into church fellowship. This today is not the same as in the first church. The light has increased, so the basic standard has risen. It will continue to increase as the light increases. We are talking about doctrine, behavior. The foundation is Christ and His commandments. We all are in agreement about the ten commandments. We are of one mind here. And, there are other key doctrines that are included in baptismal vows. Some things can wait to be learned, but all must be converted before entering into the church. If one is not dead to self, and is buried alive, then it will impossible to come into unity of doctrine. We must first be in unity of Spirit which can only happen when we are filled with the Holy Spirit.

Of course, such unity is not always so easy to achieve.

Amen! It is impossible to achieve without first giving the whole heart to Christ. It is the greatest battle we shall ever fight. Self does not easily die. Only the reception of grace can overcome selfishness.


The history of the Christian church has sadly shown this to be true all too often. So Peter warns believers against not agreeing with one another. Then he tells his readers how they can show this Christian ideal of being united.

Amen! Even the early church revealed cowardice on the part of leadership when Paul came into Jerusalem. In order to not be persecuted by the Jews, they asked Paul to go through the purification rites which they all knew was wrong. In other words, it is not good enough to be converted, then let go of Jesus. We must maintain our conversion experience in order to have power to love as Jesus loves.


For example, Christians should act with sympathy (1 Pet. 3:8 ). Sympathy means that when one Christian suffers, then others will suffer with him or her; when another Christian rejoices, other Christians will rejoice with him or her (compare 1 Cor. 12:26). Sympathy enables us to see the perspective of others, an important step along the way to unity. Peter then says we should “love as brethren” (1 Pet. 3:8). Jesus Himself said that the way you can recognize His true disciples is that they love one another (John 13:35). Furthermore, Peter says that Christians will have a tender heart (1 Pet. 3:8 ). They will have compassion for one another’s difficulties and failings.

Amen! When we love Jesus supremely, we will love even our enemies.


“Crucify self; esteem others better than yourselves. Thus you will be brought into oneness with Christ. Before the heavenly universe, and before the church and the world, you will bear unmistakable evidence that you are God's sons and daughters. God will be glorified in the example that you set.” - Ellen G. White, Testimonies for the Church, vol. 9, p. 188.

How often do we do what Peter says here, especially the part about “not  rendering evil for evil” (1 Pet. 3:9)? What kind of death to self must we experience in order to follow these words? How can we have that kind of death? (See Gal. 2:20.)

Amen! There is only one kind of death to self. It is when the heart is fully surrendered to Jesus and the Holy Spirit takes possession of the heart. It is the whole heart Christ wants. Then, when filled with the Spirit we are empowered to walk in the Spirit. Every one of the fruits of the Spirit will be seen in the life, not one will be missing. Do you agree? What if one is missing?

How can we have this experience? Listen to the Words of Jesus to Nicodemus. Do you agree with Jesus? Read John chapter three. What to we learn that we must do in order to  believe with the whole heart? Why does not man live by bread alone? What must we do in order to have Spiritual life (salvation)?


Jesus receives His reward when we reflect His character, the fruits of the Spirit......We deny Jesus His reward when we do not.

Keithstrong

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Re: SDA Sabbath School Lesson 5--2nd Quarter 2017--Living for God
« Reply #3 on: April 23, 2017, 05:12:56 PM »
I don't know if anybody has read the book by A.T Jones and Ellet Waggoner called ( Lessons on Faith) ? If not i would have to approve of a  "Must Read". I just finished it and my eyes have been opened. I use to think that perfection of character was not this side of heaven and after reading this book i realized what i was saying in hindsight.The book was saying that when God spoke and there was light and when God spoke and the worlds were made ETC... that when the bible says to "be perfect like your father in heaven is perfect" that that was actually a promise and not a statement of the future. Also to truly understand the meaning of "where sin abounded,grace abounded more....Wow what a heavenly Father we have. To realize that what God has said, if we don't take it for granted that it is a promise and not just a statement is truly a blessing.I have plenty to speak of lol but kids are calling. Our high calling is truly a HIGH CALLING and to have Jesus indwell in sinful human flesh and to be patient with us while we work out our salvation  with fear and trembling is our study through the ceaseless ages is now for me; not a mystery as to why for eternity it will be our study.
"Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and show My people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins"

Richard Myers

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Re: SDA Sabbath School Lesson 5--2nd Quarter 2017--Living for God
« Reply #4 on: April 24, 2017, 03:43:10 PM »
Amen, Brother Keith. Satan has done a clever job of deceiving the church as to the power of grace to transform the nature of man, at conversion. It helps to understand what perfection of character means. A misunderstanding leads to the rejection of this important truth. The Bible and the Spirit of Prophecy teach that when we make a full surrender of the heart to Christ, we have our heart cleansed as white as snow. Others who have influence in the church teach that which is directly in opposition to this truth.

Thanks for sharing. Hope to see more of your thoughts as we study our SS Lesson each week.
Jesus receives His reward when we reflect His character, the fruits of the Spirit......We deny Jesus His reward when we do not.

Richard Myers

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Re: SDA Sabbath School Lesson 5--2nd Quarter 2017--Living for God
« Reply #5 on: April 24, 2017, 10:50:14 PM »
Monday April 24

To Suffer in the Flesh


Yes, Jesus died for our sins, and our hope of salvation is found only in Him, in His righteousness, which covers us and causes us to be accounted righteous in the eyes of God. Because of Jesus, you are “accepted before God just as if you had not sinned.” - Ellen G. White, Steps to Christ, p. 62.

Amen, if we have repented of all known sins. Jesus righteousness will not cover on unconfessed or unforsaken sin.


But God’s grace doesn’t end just with a pronunciation, a declaration that our sins are forgiven. God also gives the power to overcome our sins, as well.

Read 1 Peter 3:18, 21; 1 Peter 4:1, 2, as well as Romans 6:1-11.

3:18   For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit: 
 3:21   The like figure whereunto [even] baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ: 

 4:1   Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin; 
 4:2   That he no longer should live the rest of [his] time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God. 

 6:1   What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? 
 6:2   God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? 
 6:3   Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? 
 6:4   Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. 
 6:5   For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also [in the likeness] of [his] resurrection: 
 6:6   Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with [him], that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. 
 6:7   For he that is dead is freed from sin. 
 6:8   Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him: 
 6:9   Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him. 
 6:10   For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God. 
 6:11   Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. 


What is the link between suffering and victory over sin?

There is a small Greek word used in 1 Peter 3:18 that emphasizes the comprehensive nature of Jesus’ sacrifice. It is the word hapax, which means “once for all.” Peter uses hapax to emphasize the comprehensive nature of the suffering of Jesus and His death for us.

The phrase “forasmuch then” in 1 Peter 4:1 links 1 Peter 4:1, 2 with what has just been said in 1 Peter 3:18-22. In these earlier verses, Peter points out that Christ suffered for our sins in order that He might bring us to God (1 Pet. 3:18), and that “baptism doth also now save us” (1 Pet. 3:21).

Baptism, then, is perhaps the best context against which to understand Peter’s words “... for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin” (1 Pet. 4:1). By baptism, the Christian participates in the suffering and death and resurrection of Jesus; the Christian has made a choice to no longer "live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God. ” (1 Pet. 4:2). This can be accomplished only by the daily surrender of self to the Lord and the crucifying of “the flesh with the affections and lusts.” (Gal. 5:24).

Amen. We must remain in a converted state where we are fully surrendered to Jesus. We then are filled with the Holy Spirit, Christ's Representative.

In Romans 6:1-11, Paul says that at baptism Christians are united with Jesus in His death and resurrection. At baptism, we have died to sin. We need now to make that death to sin real in our lives. Paul’s words, “reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Rom. 6:11), give the secret of the Christian’s life.

Actually, Christ's death is already made real before we are baptized. Nothing mysterious or miraculous takes place at baptism. It is a public statement of what has already taken place. None are to be baptized who have not demonstrated they are changed. There is evidence given in the life when one is fully surrendered to Jesus. What is that evidence that can be seen in the life?


When was the last time you found yourself “suffering in the flesh” in order to fight against sin? What does your answer say to you about your Christian life?

What does it mean to "suffer in the flesh"?  Christ suffered in the flesh that we might live. Are we to walk in Spirit, or in the flesh? "And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts."


Jesus receives His reward when we reflect His character, the fruits of the Spirit......We deny Jesus His reward when we do not.

Richard Myers

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Re: SDA Sabbath School Lesson 5--2nd Quarter 2017--Living for God
« Reply #6 on: April 25, 2017, 08:06:42 AM »
Tuesday April 25

Born Again

In Christ, we have a new life, a new beginning. We are born again. If this means anything, especially for those who accepted Christ after childhood, it must mean that they will live differently than they did before. Who hasn’t heard some incredible stories of those who, having been in the world, experienced a radical transformation because of Jesus and His saving grace?

Satan is very clever. He will do all he can to keep sinners in bondage to sin. How? He perverts the meaning of words. For instance, what does it mean to be "in Christ"? If we think we are "in Christ", then we think we have life. But, if we are not "in Christ" then we do not have eternal life. "   He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life." 1 John 5:12. How do we know if we have Christ, that we are "in Christ"?

Indeed, after talking about the death to self and the new life we have in Jesus (having been baptized into His death and resurrection), Peter then talks about the kind of changes one will experience.

Read 1 Peter 4:3-6.

4:3   For the time past of [our] life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries: 
 4:4   Wherein they think it strange that ye run not with [them] to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of [you]: 
 4:5   Who shall give account to him that is ready to judge the quick and the dead. 
 4:6   For this cause was the gospel preached also to them that are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit. 


What changes will happen in a person’s life, and how do others respond to those changes?

Jesus was different from the rulers in Israel. Are we different from those in the world? Here is what the Apostle Paul said about the new life in Christ Jesus. It does indeed reveal a difference between what we were and what we are when we are in Christ and He is in us.

 8:2  The law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. 
 8:3   For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: 
 8:4   That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. 
 8:5   For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. 
 8:6   For to be carnally minded [is] death; but to be spiritually minded [is] life and peace. 
 8:7   Because the carnal mind [is] enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. 
 8:8   So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. 
 8:9   But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. 
 8:10   And if Christ [be] in you, the body [is] dead because of sin; but the Spirit [is] life because of righteousness. 
 8:11   But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you. 
 8:12   Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh. 
 8:13   For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. 
 8:14   For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. 


Notice that Paul addresses in verse two what our lesson is pointing us to, what it means to be "in Christ Jesus." What is the law of sin and death? Go four verse back and we find "I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members." 7:23. Before conversion, when not in Christ, we are captive to the law of sin which is in our members (flesh). After conversion, we are set free from that law sin which keeps us in death. The grace of God sets us free from the law of sin and death. But, we must maintain our conversion by remaining in Christ Jesus. For without Him we can do no good thing.


The three terms Peter used that relate to alcohol abuse are “excess of wine” (KJV), “drunkenness” (NRSV), “revellings,” and “banquetings” (KJV), “carousing” (NRSV). To use modern phraseology, one’s partying days are over. In fact, according to Peter, the change that a Christian experiences should be great enough so that those who knew the Christian in his or her past life will “think it strange” that he or she no longer takes part in those same dissipations (1 Pet. 4:4, NKJV). Thus, we can see here a chance to witness to unbelievers without having to preach. A godly Christian life can be more of a witness than all the sermons in the world.

Amen!  Except we can be more positive. A godly Christian life WILL be more of a witness than all the sermons in the world.

What does Peter say in these texts about judgment?

Here, as elsewhere in the Bible (John 5:29, 2 Cor. 5:10, Heb. 9:27), Peter makes it clear that one day there will be a judgment for the deeds done “in the flesh” (1 Pet. 4:2). When Peter talks about the gospel being “preached also to them that are dead” (1 Pet. 4:6), he was saying that even in the past, people who are now dead had, when they were alive, an opportunity to know the saving grace of God. Thus, God can justly judge them, as well.

As a believer in Jesus, how differently do you live now than you did when you didn’t believe in Him? What difference has Jesus made in your life?

"As a believer" is different from "abiding in Christ".  Why do we say there is a difference? Because many "believe", but are not converted, they are not "in Christ Jesus."  The Bible addresses this very clearly that we may see the deception that has taken so many in Satan's snare. James knew of the deception and attempts to awaken the deceived: "Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?" James 2:19,20.

When the Bible talks about believing, it means that we believe with the whole heart, not part of it. We may believe and also have "unbelief". There is no greater sin than unbelief. Just because we believe Jesus to be God, is not proof that we have made a whole heart surrender to Jesus. Until we make a full surrender and love Jesus with the whole heart, we are not in a converted state. The Holy Spirit will not come into the heart unless we are wholly surrendered. Then, He will take possession of the heart and the life "in Christ Jesus" will reveal all of the fruits of His Spirit, not one will be missing. This is what it means to be "born again". 

Jesus makes this so clear that none need be confused. "Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and [of] the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again." John 3:5-7. The Spirit is the Representative of Christ. Jesus cannot be all places, He is encumbered by a human body. When Jesus abides in us, it is through the Holy Spirit. This is what makes the difference in the life of the Christian who is fully surrendered. The Holy Spirit indwells the heart which He has cleansed whiter than snow. It is the greatest of miracles!


Jesus receives His reward when we reflect His character, the fruits of the Spirit......We deny Jesus His reward when we do not.

Richard Myers

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Re: SDA Sabbath School Lesson 5--2nd Quarter 2017--Living for God
« Reply #7 on: April 26, 2017, 07:01:01 AM »
Wednesday April 26

Sins of the Flesh


In listing the wrong things that people had done in the past, and that they stopped doing after becoming believers in Jesus, Peter also lists what could be called “sexual sins.”

Yes, when we make a full surrender of the whole heart to God, we are transformed in nature, even though we still live in these vile bodies. We become partakers of God's divine nature (the Holy Spirit resides in the heart). But, even though we cease sinning known sins, we also may fall from grace).

Paul also lists in Galatians some things we stop doing when we are truly converted:

  5:19   Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are [these]; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, 
 5:20   Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, 
 5:21   Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told [you] in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. 


Do we believe this, that when one sins, he does not have eternal life? When one is angry with his brother without cause?


Read 1 Peter 4:3 again.

For the time past of [our] life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries:
 

What else does Peter list there?

Two words have a distinctive sexual connotation: “lasciviousness” (aselgia, which means “sensuality”) and “lusts” (epithumia, which means “lust” or “desire”).

Yet, it is all too easy for Christians to give the wrong impression about sexuality. The Bible is not against sex. On the contrary, God created sex, and He gave sexuality to humankind to be a great blessing. Sexuality was there in Eden, at the beginning. “Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh. And they were both naked, the man and his wife, and were not ashamed” (Gen. 2:24, 25). It was to be one of the key ingredients that would unite a husband and wife in a lifelong commitment that forms the best background against which to raise children. And this closeness and intimacy would be a reflection of what God seeks with His people, as well (see Jeremiah 3, Ezekiel 16, Hosea 1-3).

In its correct place, between a man and a woman in marriage, sexuality is a profound blessing; in the wrong place, in the wrong context, it can be one of the greatest destructive forces in the world. The here-and-now devastating consequences of these sins are beyond human calculation. Who among us doesn’t know about lives ruined through the abuse of this wonderful gift?

What do the following texts have in common? 2 Sam. 11:4, 1 Cor. 5:1, Gen. 19:5, 1 Cor. 10:8.

 11:14   And it came to pass in the morning, that David wrote a letter to Joab, and sent [it] by the hand of Uriah. 
 11:15   And he wrote in the letter, saying, Set ye Uriah in the forefront of the hottest battle, and retire ye from him, that he may be smitten, and die. 

 5:1   It is reported commonly [that there is] fornication among you, and such fornication as is not so much as named among the Gentiles, that one should have his father's wife. 

 19:5   And they called unto Lot, and said unto him, Where [are] the men which came in to thee this night? bring them out unto us, that we may know them. 

 10:8   Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand. 


Of course, one doesn’t need the Bible to know stories of the pain and suffering that these sins have caused.

The church has not always been faithful to deal with sins that destroy husband and wives and their children. Divorce is as common in the church as in the world. And it continues on today.

     Among the Jews a man was permitted to put away his wife for the most trivial offenses, and the woman was then at liberty to marry again. This practice led to great wretchedness and sin. In the Sermon on the Mount Jesus declared plainly that there could be no dissolution of the marriage tie except for unfaithfulness to the marriage vow. “Every one,” He said, “that putteth away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, maketh her an adulteress: and whosoever shall marry her when she is put away committeth adultery.”  Adventist Home, pg 340
.


Yet, we must be careful, too. Certainly, sins of this nature can have powerfully negative effects on people, and society tends to frown upon them. But sin is sin, and Christ’s death covers sexual sins, as well. As a Christian, you should be careful, especially in this sensitive area, to make sure that you “cast out first the beam out of thine own eye, and then shalt thou see clearly to pull out the mote that is in thy brother's eye.” Luke 6:42.

Such good counsel. It is not that we ought to remain quiet about open sin, no, we are to reprove it. But, one cannot be a blessing to others when Satan has control of the man. Unless we are fully surrendered to Christ, we are aligned with Satan and sin. We need to be converted and walking in the light of God's love and grace if we are to be a help to sinners. It is grace that saves, not the law. The law reveals sin and condemnation, but the love of Christ breaks the hard heart. Christ wants us to be a revealer of His grace.


Jesus receives His reward when we reflect His character, the fruits of the Spirit......We deny Jesus His reward when we do not.

Ed Sutton

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Re: SDA Sabbath School Lesson 5--2nd Quarter 2017--Living for God
« Reply #8 on: April 26, 2017, 09:35:33 PM »
"suffer in the flesh"= 0 hits,  "suffer* in the flesh" ='s 20 published hits, 16 unpublished hits - very good reading these published and unpublished SOP hits.
Grateful for Psalms 32 and Titus 2:10 - The divinity of Christ is acknowledged in the unity of the children of God.  {11MR 266.2}

colporteur

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Re: SDA Sabbath School Lesson 5--2nd Quarter 2017--Living for God
« Reply #9 on: April 27, 2017, 05:18:44 AM »
 When the church invented its own rules for divorce ( by abandonment) it frayed the edges and muddied the waters giving room for divorce for any reason.
It's easier to slow a fast horse down than to get a dead one going.

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Re: SDA Sabbath School Lesson 5--2nd Quarter 2017--Living for God
« Reply #10 on: April 27, 2017, 06:29:37 AM »
Yes, cp, the church has not been perfect.  But, there are clear lines that are crossed. There are pastors who not only neglect to deal with un-Biblical divorce, they re-marry those who do not have Biblical grounds for re-marriage. The destruction of families is an abomination in God's eyes. The results are seen in the lives of the children who suffer from them. God help the innocent who suffer, and the church ought to also.
Jesus receives His reward when we reflect His character, the fruits of the Spirit......We deny Jesus His reward when we do not.

Richard Myers

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Re: SDA Sabbath School Lesson 5--2nd Quarter 2017--Living for God
« Reply #11 on: April 27, 2017, 06:43:18 AM »
Thursday April 27

Love Covers All

Even in the time of Peter, Christians lived with the expectation of the soon return of Jesus and the end of this present world. We know this because in 1 Peter 4:7 he writes: “But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer.” In other words, be ready for the end. In one very real sense, too, the “end,” as far as each one of us is concerned, is never more than a moment after we die. We close our eyes in death, and-whether thousands of years pass, or just a few days-the next thing we know is the second coming of Jesus and the end of this world.

According to Peter, because the “end of all things” is at hand, how should Christians live? See 1 Pet. 4:7-11.

Besides being serious and watchful in prayer, Christians are to “have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins” (1 Pet. 4:8 ).

What does that mean? How does love cover sin? A key is found in the text Peter is quoting, Proverbs 10:12, which reads: “Hatred stirreth up strifes: but love covereth all sins.” When we love one another, we more readily and easily forgive those who hurt us, who offend us. Christ’s love leads Him to forgive us; our love should lead us to forgive others. Where love abounds, small offenses, and even some large ones, more readily are overlooked and forgotten.

Peter was certainly expressing the same idea as Jesus and Paul, who say that the whole law is summed up in the obligation to love God with our whole heart and love our neighbors as ourselves (Matt. 22:34-39, Rom. 13:8-10).

Peter also urges Christians to be hospitable. The Second Coming may be near, but Christians should not withdraw from social relationships because of it. Finally, when Christians speak, they must do so as those who are speaking the words of God. In other words, the seriousness of the time calls for serious communication about spiritual truths.

“Love will cover a multitude of sins.” Who has sinned against you? How can you reveal the love needed in order to “cover” that sin? Why is it to your own advantage to do so?

The answer is always the same, we need to be abiding in Christ and He in us if we are to have power to love the ones who despitefully use us. Unless we be born of the Spirit, we cannot manifest an unselfish love to those who hurt us. Being selfish by nature, it would be a phony love. And, few can even do that. When we are hurt deeply, and have not the Holy Spirit in our hearts, what shall we do to those who hurt us? Unless surrendered to God, we serve sin and Satan. If we have not the Spirit, then we are none of His (Romans 8:9).

If we will not forgive others who have hurt us, will Christ forgive us?
Jesus receives His reward when we reflect His character, the fruits of the Spirit......We deny Jesus His reward when we do not.

Richard Myers

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Re: SDA Sabbath School Lesson 5--2nd Quarter 2017--Living for God
« Reply #12 on: April 27, 2017, 06:46:42 AM »
"suffer in the flesh"= 0 hits,  "suffer* in the flesh" ='s 20 published hits, 16 unpublished hits - very good reading these published and unpublished SOP hits.

What did you find out, Ed? What does it mean to "suffer in the flesh"?
Jesus receives His reward when we reflect His character, the fruits of the Spirit......We deny Jesus His reward when we do not.

Richard Myers

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Re: SDA Sabbath School Lesson 5--2nd Quarter 2017--Living for God
« Reply #13 on: April 27, 2017, 07:19:47 AM »
Friday April 28

Further Thought: “The love that suffers long and is kind will not magnify an indiscretion into an unpardonable offense, neither will it make capital of others’ misdoings. The Scriptures plainly teach that the erring are to be treated with forbearance and consideration. If the right course is followed, the apparently obdurate heart may be won to Christ. The love of Jesus covers a multitude of sins. His grace never leads to the exposing of another’s wrongs, unless it is a positive necessity.” - Ellen G. White, Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students, p. 267. Think, for instance, of Jesus and the woman caught in adultery (John 8:1-11). We usually look at this as a story of Christ’s grace to a fallen woman, and that’s true. But there’s a deeper element, as well. In confronting the religious leaders who brought the woman to Him, why did Jesus write down the “guilty secrets of their own lives” (Ellen G. White, The Desire of Ages, p. 461) in the dirt, where the words could instantly be obliterated? Why didn’t He openly accuse them, declaring before everyone what He knew about their own sins, which might have been just as bad as or even worse than that woman’s? Instead, Jesus showed them that He knew their hypocrisy and evil, and yet was not going to expose it to others. Perhaps this was Jesus’ own way of reaching out to these men, showing them He knew their purposes and thus giving them an opportunity to be saved. What a powerful lesson for us when we need to confront those who have sinned.

Amen!  On the other hand, there are public sins that need to be addressed publicly. It is a painful thing, but if not done, then the sinner and the church will suffer. When faced with open rebellion, it is a public matter that often is incurable. The longer it is not dealt with, the more destructive it becomes. We have the example of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram in Scripture. They rebelled against the leadership God had chosen and thus were in rebellion against God. How very sad. It did not end well with these men and their followers who did not repent.

   And it came to pass, as he had made an end of speaking all these words, that the ground clave asunder that was under them: And the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed them up, and their houses, and all the men that [appertained] unto Korah, and all [their] goods. They, and all that [appertained] to them, went down alive into the pit, and the earth closed upon them: and they perished from among the congregation. And all Israel that [were] round about them fled at the cry of them: for they said, Lest the earth swallow us up also. And there came out a fire from the LORD, and consumed the two hundred and fifty men that offered incense....Now they that died in the plague were fourteen thousand and seven hundred, beside them that died about the matter of Korah." Numbers 16:31-35,49.


May we be found living for God and not for self.


Discussion Questions:


    Dwell more on the question of unity as opposed to uniformity. Are there some areas in which we need to be in complete unity of thought in order to function as a church? If so, what are they, and how can we find this needed uniformity? In contrast, what are areas in which a diversity of opinion is not harmful but, in fact, could be helpful?

God has given us a church whereby we may come into unity of doctrine if we be in unity of Spirit. Can two walk together if they be not in agreement? "Hear this word that the LORD hath spoken against you, O children of Israel, against the whole family which I brought up from the land of Egypt, saying, You only have I known of all the families of the earth: therefore I will punish you for all your iniquities. Can two walk together, except they be agreed?" Amos 3:1-3.

We do not need to be unity of thought on all matters, but we need to submit to the authority of the church when the church is in submission to Christ. Thus it is in the family. The wife submits to the husband who is in submission to God. There are some who follow tradition or culture rather than the Word of God. They will not be in unity with God's church.

In a Laodicean church we have many who are not abiding in Christ, and therefore are not in unity of Spirit. What do we expect in regards to unity of doctrine? Here is what the prophet says: "The new birth is a rare experience in this age of the world. This is the reason why there are so many perplexities in the churches. Many, so many, who assume the name of Christ are unsanctified and unholy. They have been baptized, but they were buried alive. Self did not die, and therefore they did not rise to newness of life in Christ. Vol 6, Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, pg 1075. Does this not explain why there is not unity in the church, neither indeed can be with those who are not converted?


    What has been your own experience with the concept of the need to “suffer in the flesh” in order to cease from sin? What does that mean? Does God’s power in our lives to change us mean automatically that we don’t suffer in the flesh in order to have victory? If not, why not?

Christ suffered in the flesh. While it is true, His suffering and death paid the price for our sins, that we might live, they also were necessary for Christ. Why? Why did Jesus need to suffer in the flesh? Then, do we also need to suffer in the flesh?

The Bible says “Though He were a Son, yet learned He obedience by the things which He suffered.” His character grew through trial. So it is with us. Yes, we too, must suffer in the flesh if we want to be a better witness for God. Jesus was always obedient, yet as He experienced great trials, He grew stronger to eventually be able to withstand carrying the sins of the world. He could not do this at age 12.

So it is with us. We will not be tempted beyond what we can bear, but God does allow us to be tempted to what we can bear, so that we shall become stronger to bear greater trials. It is the character that God wants from us. We are His witnesses to a  world soon to vanish.....and to the unfallen word above.

Does Scripture reveal this truth? "And not only [so], but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us." Romans 5:3-5.


    Look around at the devastation that alcohol has produced in so many lives. What can we do as a church to help others see the danger of this drug? What can we do to keep our young people aware of what a mistake it would be even to experiment with a substance that can do them such terrible harm?

As a church in the past we opposed making the sale of alcohol legal. Today, we have stated the Biblical truth about its dangers. We are to be living examples of the fact that none need use it. Do we speak up about the use of mind altering drugs? Or do we remain quiet even when we see the results of their use? Drugs permeate society, both legal and illegal. When we say one thing and do another, what will young people think? When we profess to keep the commandments of God, then do not, will the children and young people think our religion to be correct? No, they will not. Then the Laodicean condition is leading many away from Christ and the Bible. How very sad!

If we are not "living for God" then what kind of witness are we to our children and to the world? In the judgment, it will be seen the results of the apostasy in the church. But, we do not have to wait to see the loss of souls, today we can see the path being taken by others. What is not easy to see is the path we as a people have taken. We as a people remain wretched and miserable, and poor, blind, and naked. Being blind means we do not see we are in a lost condition. We do not know what it means to be in a converted state. We have been instructed we may have eternal life when we sin a known sin. To say otherwise is seen as narrow and unloving.

God's grace is sufficient to transform the worst sinner into a saint. That is what happens when a sinner is brought to repentance and gives the whole heart to Christ. He is empowered to keep the commandments of God. May we give Jesus the whole heart today, that we then will be "living for God" and not for self.
Jesus receives His reward when we reflect His character, the fruits of the Spirit......We deny Jesus His reward when we do not.

Ed Sutton

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Re: SDA Sabbath School Lesson 5--2nd Quarter 2017--Living for God
« Reply #14 on: April 27, 2017, 02:31:02 PM »
Many of the quotes refer to Christ and the final week of suffering, wilderness temptations ... but not all quotes refer to that. 

Here is one article

March 5, 1889 Meetings at South Lancaster, Mass.
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By Mrs. E. G. White.
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     Special meetings began at South Lancaster on Friday, Jan. 11. We were glad to find the church well filled with those who had come to receive benefit from the meetings. There were many persons present whom we had never met before, and their presence testified to the power of God to convert souls, and to turn men's feet into the path of his commandments. Delegates were present from Maine, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and other States. We realized that there was a work to be done in setting things in order, which man's best efforts could not accomplish without the aid of God. Our hearts were drawn out in earnest supplication to God that he would work in our behalf. We had a message of present truth for the people; and if they would place themselves in the channel of light, they would be prepared to do a work for others similar to the work that should be done for them.  {RH, March 5, 1889 par. 1} 

     On Sabbath afternoon I had freedom in presenting to the people the necessity of obeying the law of God. It is not enough to say that we believe. We must have that genuine faith which works by love, and purifies the soul. God has given us a perfect standard of righteousness in his law. "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself." This comprehends the whole duty of man to his God and to his neighbor. We owe to God our life, and all that makes life desirable, and when we refuse to render obedience to him, we rob and defraud our own souls. No man can choose his own way without deep ingratitude to God; in so doing he renders to God enmity for love.  {RH, March 5, 1889 par. 2} 

     We felt burdened for those who had been bearing the message of truth to others, lest they should close their hearts to some of the precious rays of heaven's light that God has sent them. Jesus rejoiced when his followers received his messages of truth. At one time he raised his eyes to heaven, and said, "I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes." The precious Saviour, who brought life and immortality to light, rejoiced that the plan of salvation could be understood by those who were humble in spirit, although the proud and self-sufficient could not comprehend its mystery. The worldly-wise cannot see the beauty of that truth which Christ constantly opens to the understanding of those who have a willing, childlike desire to be loyal to God. To the humble the truth is the power of God unto salvation.  {RH, March 5, 1889 par. 3} 

     On Sabbath afternoon, many hearts were touched, and many souls were fed on the bread that cometh down from heaven. After the discourse we enjoyed a precious social meeting. The Lord came very near, and convicted souls of their great need of his grace and love. We felt the necessity of presenting Christ as a Saviour who was not afar off, but nigh at hand. When the Spirit of God begins to work upon the hearts of men, the fruit is seen in confession of sin, and restitution for wrongs. All through the meetings, as the people sought to draw nearer to God, they brought forth works meet for repentance by confessing one to another where they had wronged each other by word or act. Wild, clamorous cries and exercises are no evidence that the Spirit of God is at work. The Lord manifested himself to Elijah in the still small voice. Says Christ, "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock; if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me." It is the sinner himself who has barred the door. Will he take down the barriers? Will he unbolt the door? The locks are all on his side of the door, not on the Saviour's side.  {RH, March 5, 1889 par. 4} 

     There were many, even among the ministers, who saw the truth as it is in Jesus in a light in which they had never before viewed it. They saw the Saviour as a sin-pardoning Saviour, and the truth as the sanctifier of the soul. "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." If we would be partakers with Christ of his glory, we must also be willing to share with him in his humiliation. "Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered." This must be the experience of every true child of God. "Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind; for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin." {RH, March 5, 1889 par. 5} 

     We should not murmur if we are called upon to share the suffering part of religion. There are many who do not feel averse to suffering, but they do not exercise simple, living faith. They say they do not know what it means to take God at his word. They have a religion of outward forms and observances. It is painful to see the unbelief that exists in the hearts of many of God's professed followers. We have the most precious truths ever committed to mortals, and the faith of those who have received these truths should correspond to their greatness and value. There are many who seem to feel that they have a great work to do themselves before they can come to Christ for his salvation. They seem to think that Jesus will come in at the very last of their struggle, and give them help by putting the finishing touch to their life-work. It seems difficult for them to understand that Christ is a complete Saviour, and able to save to the uttermost all that come unto God by him. They lose sight of the fact that Christ himself is "the way, the truth, and the life." When we individually rest upon Christ, with full assurance of faith, trusting alone to the efficacy of his blood to cleanse from all sin, we shall have peace in believing that what God has promised he is able to perform. As Christ represented the Father, so we are to represent Christ to the world. We cannot transfer our obligation to others. God desires to make known to you what is the richness of his glory, that you may preach the mystery of salvation to those around you,--Christ in you the hope of glory. {RH, March 5, 1889 par. 6} 

     As our brethren and sisters opened their hearts to the light, they obtained a better knowledge of what constitutes faith. The Lord was very precious; he was ready to strengthen his people. The meetings continued a week beyond their first appointment. The school was dismissed, and all made earnest work of seeking the Lord. Eld. Jones came from Boston, and labored most earnestly for the people, speaking twice and sometimes three times a day. The flock of God were fed with soul-nourishing food. The very message the Lord has sent to the people of this time was presented in the discourses. Meetings were in progress from early morning till night, and the results were highly satisfactory.  {RH, March 5, 1889 par. 7} 

     In the early morning meetings I tried to present the paternal love and care of God for his children. The knowledge of God's love is the most effectual knowledge to obtain, that the character may be ennobled, refined, and elevated. Jesus is to be our pattern. The Lord has lessons of the greatest importance for us to learn. He leads us as children to take views of his goodness, mercy, and love, from the simple, lowly life of our dear Redeemer. Christ ever directed the minds of his disciples to God as to a loving Father. He educated his followers to look upon God with confidence and love. When we are overawed with the greatness and justice of God, we are pointed to Jesus, to his spotless character and his infinite love. There we see the Father revealed in the Son, for God is love.  {RH, March 5, 1889 par. 8} 

     Both students and teachers have shared largely in the blessing of God. The deep movings of the Spirit of God have been felt upon almost every heart. The general testimony was borne by those who attended the meeting that they had obtained an experience beyond anything they had known before. They testified their joy that Christ had forgiven their sins. Their hearts were filled with thanksgiving and praise to God. Sweet peace was in their souls. They loved every one, and felt that they could rest in the love of God.  {RH, March 5, 1889 par. 9} 

     I have never seen a revival work go forward with such thoroughness, and yet remain so free from all undue excitement. There was no urging or inviting. The people were not called forward, but there was a solemn realization that Christ came not to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance. The honest in heart were ready to confess their sins, and to bring forth fruit to God by repentance and restoration, as far as it lay in their power. We seemed to breathe in the very atmosphere of heaven. Angels were indeed hovering around. Friday evening the social service began at five, and it was not closed until nine. No time was lost; for every one had a living testimony to bear. The meeting would have continued hours longer, if it had been allowed to run this full course; but it was thought best to close it at that time. I was not able to sleep that night until nearly day. The Lord had visited his people. And there was joy in heaven among the angels over the repentant sinners that had come back to the Father. What a beautiful sight it was to the universe to see that as fallen men and women beheld Christ, they were changed, taking the impression of his image upon their souls.  {RH, March 5, 1889 par. 10}
 
    There were many who testified that as the searching truths had been presented, they had been convicted in the light of the law as transgressors. They had been trusting in their own righteousness. Now they saw it as filthy rags, in comparison with the righteousness of Christ, which is alone acceptable to God. While they had not been open transgressors, they saw themselves depraved and degraded in heart. They had substituted other gods in the place of their Heavenly Father. They had struggled to refrain from sin, but had trusted in their own strength. We should go to Jesus just as we are, confess our sins, and cast our helpless souls upon our compassionate Redeemer. This subdues the pride of the heart, and is a crucifixion of self. In the parable, the father saw the returning prodigal son. He saw his repentance and contrition of soul, and he had compassion on him, and ran, and fell on his neck and kissed him. The son spoke his penitence, saying, "Father, I have sinned against Heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son. But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet: and bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry; for this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found." The prodigal made a full confession of his sin. He made no excuse for his wrong-doing, and he was forgiven, and re-established in his father's house.  {RH, March 5, 1889 par. 11} 

     We thank the Lord, we rejoice, that it is not too late for wanderers to return, with humble confession, and receive a welcome in the Father's house, --to be clothed with the righteousness of Christ. I thank God for this with a full heart every day. We should be the most ungrateful of his creatures, were we indifferent when he works for the children of men in such a marvelous way. We should be like the heath in the desert, if we did not praise God when good cometh. I know that there has been rejoicing in heaven because of the good work done in South Lancaster; and if the angels rejoice, why should not we who have also witnessed the return of wanderers from darkness into the marvelous light of God's love?  {RH, March 5, 1889 par. 12} 

     To know God is the most wonderful knowledge that men can have. There is much wisdom with worldly men; but with all their wisdom, they behold not the beauty and majesty, the justice and wisdom, the goodness and holiness, of the Creator of all worlds. The Lord walks among men by his providences; but his stately steppings are not heard, his presence is not discerned, his hand is not recognized. The work of Christ's disciples is to shine as lights, making manifest to the world the character of God. They are to catch the increasing rays of light from the word of God, and reflect them to men enshrouded in the darkness of misapprehension of God. The servants of Christ must rightly represent the character of God and Christ to men. Says the apostle, "Ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light."  {RH, March 5, 1889 par. 13} 
Grateful for Psalms 32 and Titus 2:10 - The divinity of Christ is acknowledged in the unity of the children of God.  {11MR 266.2}

Ed Sutton

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Re: SDA Sabbath School Lesson 5--2nd Quarter 2017--Living for God
« Reply #15 on: April 27, 2017, 02:40:01 PM »
 "Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord, according as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust."  {RH, August 28, 1900 par. 1}
 
     These words present before the Christian the privileges brought within his reach through the sacrifice of the Son of God. The promises are full and broad and deep. They encourage our faith; for has not God pledged his word to combine his divine power with our human efforts, that we may overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony? While Satan is playing the game of life for the souls of men, precious encouragement is given to the one who seeks to do God's will. "Let him take hold of my strength, that he may make peace with me," God says, "and he shall make peace with me." {RH, August 28, 1900 par. 2} 

     Man has the assurance that he can become a partaker of the divine nature, even as Christ became a partaker of human nature. In Christ God pledges himself to come under obligation to mankind, if man will comply with the conditions. "Take my yoke upon you," he says, "and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." God purposes to yoke up with human instrumentalities. This must be a work of co-operation; for how can two walk together, except they be agreed? Never did an earthly parent pity and love his children as our Heavenly Father pities and yearns for those who strive for the overcomer's reward. Promises of his love and his grace could not be more abundant. And this that we might be "partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust."  {RH, August 28, 1900 par. 3} 

     Personal piety bears its testimony in a wise and unreserved co-operation with divine principles. The apostle Peter writes: "Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin; that he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God. . . . For for this cause was the gospel preached also to them that are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit. But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer. And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins. Use hospitality one to another without grudging. As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ."  {RH, August 28, 1900 par. 4} 

General suffering in the flesh seem to describe the individuals war against his or her own sins and tendencies and not just persecution. But looking up the published & unpublished quotes in an analytical search would be the best way to know for one's self.
Grateful for Psalms 32 and Titus 2:10 - The divinity of Christ is acknowledged in the unity of the children of God.  {11MR 266.2}

Richard Myers

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Re: SDA Sabbath School Lesson 5--2nd Quarter 2017--Living for God
« Reply #16 on: April 28, 2017, 07:28:30 AM »
Yes, Ed, in this verse we are called to cease living in the flesh, and to walk in the Spirit. Romans 8:1 promises we can come out from under condemnation if we will not walk in the flesh, but in the Spirit. "There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death." Romans 8:1,2.

I like these verses for they reveal the twisting of truth when some tell us being in Christ is something other than being dead to self and fully surrendered to Christ wherein we do not walk in the flesh because we have been set free from the law sin and death. Before conversion we had been held in bondage to the sin in our flesh. Christ has provided a remedy from those who are in bondage to the law of sin which is in their members (flesh). See Romans seven, especially verse 23.

Thanks for sharing, Ed. Have a blessed Sabbath, dear friend.
Jesus receives His reward when we reflect His character, the fruits of the Spirit......We deny Jesus His reward when we do not.

Glen

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Re: SDA Sabbath School Lesson 5--2nd Quarter 2017--Living for God
« Reply #17 on: April 29, 2017, 08:39:29 AM »
... I use to think that perfection of character was not this side of heaven...when the bible says to "be perfect like your father in heaven is perfect" that that was actually a promise...

Amen Brother! ...Jesus Christ is in you... 2 Corinthians 13:5

Christ must dwell in (your) heart, just as the blood must be in the body and circulate there as a vitalizing power. Christian Leadership p. 45

He strengthens (you). He will live through (you), giving (you) the inspiration of His sanctifying Spirit, imparting to (your) soul a vital transfusion of Himself. He acts through (your) faculties and causes (you) to choose His will and to act out His character. With the apostle Paul (you) then may say, “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me” (Galatians 2:20)....
...Jesus...will live through (YOU), giving (YOU) the inspiration of His sanctifying Spirit, imparting to (YOUR) soul a vital transfusion of Himself. Sabbath-School Worker 02-01-96.03  ...as the blood